Edward Hodson Bayley

[1] Born in Accrington, Lancashire, he was the second son of the Reverend Dr Johnathon Bayley, a pastor with the Swedenborgian New Church and his wife Lydia née Hodson.

[2] Bayley was active in the Liberal Party, and in 1886 was chosen to contest the Camberwell North constituency, defending the seat of the retiring member of parliament, Richard Strong.

[6] Despite his defeat, Bayley was unanimously readopted as prospective parliamentary candidate by the North Camberwell Liberal and Radical Association in March 1887.

[8] A major issue in the election was the proposed extension of tramways over Westminster Bridge: Bayley was strongly in favour of bringing the tramlines into south London, but Kelly was opposed.

[9] In the following year Bayley was involved in a curious court case, having refused to pay the painter of his official portrait in House of Commons.

[10] He was active in Parliamentary debates, questioning Government ministers on topics as varied as the state of Gibraltar, lifeboat services, and conditions of industrial workers.